CVR registered – what does it mean, and how do you register a business?

When a business is CVR registered, it means it is officially registered in Denmark’s Central Business Register. This is where all Danish businesses are registered, and where authorities, customers, and partners can find information about businesses.

For entrepreneurs, the first step in starting a business is often to become CVR registered. Without registration, in many cases you cannot operate legally, issue invoices, or open a business bank account.

In this guide, we cover:

• what it means to be CVR registered
• when you need to register your business
• how to become CVR registered
• what it costs
• how long the process takes

If you are considering starting a business, this article provides a clear overview of the process.

What does CVR registered mean?

Being CVR registered means that a business is registered in the Central Business Register (CVR).

CVR functions as a national register of all businesses in Denmark. The register is administered by the Danish Business Authority and contains information about both small sole proprietorships and large companies.

When a business becomes CVR registered, it receives a unique CVR number. This number serves as the business’s official identification.

The CVR number is used, among other things, for:

• invoicing
• contact with authorities
• tax and VAT
• contracts
• banking relationships

In many ways, a CVR number can be compared to a CPR number for private individuals.

What information is registered in CVR?

When a business becomes CVR registered, a range of information is recorded in the public register.

Typically, this includes:

• the business name
• CVR number
• address
• industry code
• start date
• ownership structure
• management (for companies)

This information is public and can be found via the CVR register.

This means that customers and partners can verify whether a business is CVR registered and therefore officially exists.

When do you need to be CVR registered?

Many people ask: when do you need to be CVR registered?

As a general rule, a business must be CVR registered when it carries out commercial activity.

This typically applies if:

• the business sells goods or services
• there is an expectation of profit
• the business is operated on a regular basis
• there are employees
• the business must be registered for VAT

If you start a company such as an ApS or A/S, the business is automatically CVR registered as part of the incorporation process.

Can you run a business without being CVR registered?

In some cases, smaller activities can be carried out without being CVR registered.

This applies, for example, to hobby activities where there is no actual commercial operation.

However, if the activity:

• is intended to generate a profit
• is carried out regularly
• or when turnover increases

it will normally need to be registered.

If a business should be CVR registered but is not, it can cause problems in relation to tax and VAT.

Which types of businesses are CVR registered?

There are several types of businesses that can be CVR registered in Denmark.

The most common are:

Sole proprietorship (EMV)

A sole proprietorship is the simplest form of business.

Here, the owner and the business are legally the same person. This means the owner is personally liable for the business’s debts.

This type of business is often used by:

• freelancers
• consultants
• tradespeople
• small entrepreneurs

When a sole proprietorship becomes CVR registered, it receives a CVR number.

Private limited company (ApS)

An ApS is a separate legal entity.

This means the owner is not personally liable for the business’s debts in the same way as in a sole proprietorship.

When an ApS is incorporated, it is automatically CVR registered. If you are considering setting up an ApS, you can read more about the process.

The requirements for setting up an ApS include:

• share capital
• memorandum of association
• articles of association
• registration with the Danish Business Authority

Read more about setting up an ApS

Public limited company (A/S)

An A/S works in many ways like an ApS, but is typically used for larger businesses.

It requires higher capital and a more formal management structure.

When a public limited company is incorporated, it is also CVR registered.

How do you become CVR registered?

If you want to start a business, you must go through a registration process.

Becoming CVR registered is done digitally via the public platform Virk.dk.

The process typically consists of the following steps.

1. Choose a business type

First, you must choose which type of business you want to set up.

The most common are:

• sole proprietorship
• ApS
• A/S

The choice affects:

• liability
• tax
• capital
• administration

2. Enter the business details

When you register the business, you must enter a range of information.

This includes, among other things:

• business name
• address – you can use a professional business address instead of your home address
• industry
• start date
• ownership structure

This information becomes part of the business profile in the CVR register.

3. Register the business

Once the information has been submitted, the registration is processed.

When the process is complete, the business is CVR registered and a CVR number is assigned.

This number will be used for all official activities going forward.

How long does it take to become CVR registered?

The time it takes to become CVR registered depends on the business type.

Typically:

Sole proprietorship

Often registered the same day or within a few days.

ApS

May take longer, as company documents must be prepared and registration with the Danish Business Authority completed.

A/S

Typically the most extensive process.

What does it cost to become CVR registered?

The costs depend on the business type.

Typical expenses may include:

Sole proprietorship

Registration is usually free.

ApS

There is a registration fee payable to the Danish Business Authority, as well as a requirement for share capital.

A/S

Requires higher capital and a registration fee.

There may also be costs for advisory services or legal assistance if you do not wish to handle the process yourself. Flexum offers professional help with company formation.

What happens after the business is CVR registered?

When a business is CVR registered, it becomes an official part of the business community.

This means, among other things, that the business can:

• invoice customers
• open a business bank account
• enter into contracts
• hire employees
• register for VAT

At the same time, the CVR number becomes the business’s official identification.

How to check whether a business is CVR registered

All Danish businesses can be looked up in the CVR register.

Here you can search by:

• business name
• CVR number

When you search, you can view information about the business if it is CVR registered.

This makes it easy for customers and partners to verify businesses.

CVR registered – the first step to starting a business

Becoming CVR registered is the first step in starting a business in Denmark.

Registration makes the business legally valid and enables lawful operation.

Whether you are starting a small sole proprietorship or a larger company, the process will almost always begin with becoming CVR registered.

Once the business is registered, it can begin operating in the market—with customers, partners, and growth opportunities. If you need a professional address for your business, you can apply for a virtual office with Flexum.

Frequently asked questions about CVR registration

What does CVR registered mean?

When a business is CVR registered, it means it is registered in the Central Business Register. The business receives a CVR number, which is used for identification with authorities, customers, and partners.

When do you need to be CVR registered?

A business must normally be CVR registered when it carries out commercial activity, sells goods or services for profit, or if it must be registered for VAT.

How do you become CVR registered?

You become CVR registered by registering your business via Virk.dk. You enter information about the business, after which it is registered with the Danish Business Authority and assigned a CVR number.

What does it cost to become CVR registered?

Registering a sole proprietorship is usually free. If you set up a company such as an ApS or A/S, you must pay a registration fee to the Danish Business Authority and meet the share-capital requirements.

Where can you check whether a business is CVR registered?

You can check whether a business is CVR registered by searching the CVR register on CVR.dk or Virk.dk. Here you can find information about the business’s name, address, industry, and ownership structure.